Perhaps it is because I have been in Vegas for the past two days, and the need to gamble a bit and put it out on the table is cursing through my veins- but I do feel compelled to share what I feel are going to be absolute essentials in your wardrobe this fall.

Here, it goes- double or nothing.

1. Boots! Boots! Boots! Not just any kind- amazing fashion defying over-the-knee boots. I love them! They themselves border on a line of fantasy and reality. That much leather wrapping up around your leg would have to! I like the flat version myself- brings back a kind of balance. But if you are all about it, then the high-heeled take is your winner. Another boot I am exited about reminds me of the steel-toed industrial boots they wear on tankers- matte black, hits mid ankle, side buckle detail- super relaxed and a bit tomboy. Finally, I gotta say- the cowboy boot is making it’s way back. My Wyoming girl heart is singing! You have a couple of options here- go for the standard calf length or for the short and sweet ankle version.
2. Untraditional bling, baby. It is all about the oversize, amazingly unique and fairly long necklace this fall. We are talking multiple layers, colors, textures, and lengths! I am in love with the multi-strand beaded necklaces that pay homage to my Western roots. Colorful designs through beading or brilliant scarves used as the necklace base with metal or plastic wrapped through or around it are gorgeous beyond all reason.
3. Leggings. A friend of mine since living in Europe- they took some getting used to, but now I will always have a pair in my closet ready for action. And this fall is the perfect time to stock up. Classic black with zipper details, leather, animal print and denim are all hot tickets.
4. Day-glow. There may be a few daring fashionistas who sport the neon dresses and jackets designers are putting out for fall, but for the rest of us, I think this trend is going to be a bit more subtle. It is all in the accessories. A bright orange watch, a neon pink clutch, or an electric purple belt. A bright pop of color paired with the ever neutral and chic black.
5. I’ll hit em high, hit em high, hit em high! Waists- that is. They are going to stay high for skirts and trousers. The skirt has been a powerful piece of fashion this summer and the comfort and super stylish form makes it a key player moving into fall. I like the tulip ones that cinch in, poof out and then tame themselves again at the hem. Trousers will be reminiscent of Katharine Hepburn with a high waist, long lines (perhaps with some, dare I say, front pleats!) tapering in with a cuffed leg.
6. Grandma coats. Well, Grandma meets Ashley Olsen… These coats are absolutely fabulous. A bit slouchy with fabric to spare and wide cropped arms, balanced by a little tucking in at the base like a bell, I want one in every color! And they will be out in camel (a sure bet this fall), grey and black. The sister style will be a return of the cape. Again, it is all about an excess in fabric where you can drown yourself in the luxury of an investment purchase.